Karen Klickmann (847) 240-1735[email protected]
Jennifer Gale(847) 240-1730[email protected]
Julie Bremer(847) 240-1743[email protected]
FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 22, 2002
FACE THE FACTS: LASERS AND PEELS CAN BE BENEFICIAL TO NON-FACIAL SKIN
NEW ORLEANS (February 22, 2002) - In this era of concern about reversing the signs of sun-damaged and over exposed skin, dermatologists have taken lasers and chemical peels to the next level to provide their patients with a myriad of options. First popularized for the face, laser resurfacing and chemical peels are now available to treat non-facial skin, such as the chest, neck and upper extremities, where sun exposure frequently occurs.
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's 2002 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, dermatologist Edward Victor Ross, MD, of the dermatology department of the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California, spoke about laser resurfacing and chemical peeling of non-facial skin.
"Laser resurfacing and chemical peeling are two procedures that are valuable for improving the appearance of the skin," said Dr. Ross. "Patients with both mild and severe sun-damaged skin can now benefit from the latest techniques that can be performed on non-facial, photodamaged skin."
Photodamaged skin occurs from several factors including overexposure to the sun, the wind, the aging process and genetics. Individuals who have fair skin, light eyes, and a history of long-term sun exposure, are more susceptible to photodamage, represented by blotchy pigmentation, wrinkling and scaling.
To prevent photodamage, overexposure to the sun should be avoided and an individual must be diligent about wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher everyday.
Today, however, there are innovative techniques which can improve the appearance of photodamaged skin and rejuvenate the skin's feel and texture.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing was first used on facial skin to remove photodamage, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. However, with the versatility of lasers and the advancements in scientific technology, dermatologists have expanded the use of lasers to improve the appearance and texture of non-facial skin.
Dermatologists have developed two basic approaches for non-facial laser resurfacing. The Erbium YAG laser selectively removes the outer layer of the skin with little heat. It can be used as a superficial or medium depth resurfacing procedure, which targets the upper two layers of the skin.
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, which uses heat energy to selectively destroy the outer and middle layers of the skin, has become beneficial to treat moderate to advanced photodamaged skin, from fine lines and weathered skin to deeper lines and wrinkles. While this short pulse laser can treat more severe photoaging, this type of laser resurfacing must be applied very lightly to non-facial skin and requires anesthesia as well as a recuperation period.
Dermatologists also use the Q-switched alexandrite laser to treat non-facial skin. This procedure utilizes Q-switch lasers which have been successful in removing pigmented lesions and tattoos. With the Q-switch alexandrite laser, pigmented photodamaged areas are selectively treated while preserving the undamaged skin. Repeated treatments can produce a noticeable effect on moderate photodamaged skin.
"Laser resurfacing, when properly utilized for non-facial skin, is a conservative treatment which provides modest enhancements in fine wrinkling and photodamage," said Dr. Ross. "The best candidate for laser treatment is a patient between the ages of 35 and 70, who is interested in rejuvenation and has realistic expectations about moderate improvements in hyperpigmentation and skin texture."
Treatment in the neck and chest region will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes and about 30 minutes for both arms and hands. The application of the topical anesthetic prior to the procedure requires an additional hour of time. The major limitation of non-facial laser resurfacing is the depth of treatment - because of the slow healing of non-facial skin, any resurfacing procedure must be performed very conservatively.
Chemical PeelsChemical peels, an alternative to lasers, are also being used today to treat non-facial photodamaged skin. Three different levels of peels, from very superficial to deep peels, can be applied to rejuvenate photodamaged skin. The depth of the peel and concentration is based upon the level of photodamage as well as the expectations of the patient.
Very superficial chemical peels remove the top layer of cells and stimulate a more rapid regeneration of the epidermis. These peels include the 20 to 40 percent glycolic acid peels, often referred to as the "lunchtime peel;" alpha-hydroxy peels, including the salicylic acid peel, which is a simple, very light peel with little or no down time; and the 10 to 20 percent Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peels, which can be increased in intensity to produce more dramatic benefits.
"Since superficial peels remove a part or all of the epidermis, patients will experience a 48 to 72 hour recovery period as their skin heals from the peeling and redness," explained Dr. Ross. "It is important that during the healing process, the patient keep their skin hydrated by drinking water and protect it from the sun by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher."
For more advanced photodamaged skin, medium depth peels are recommended to penetrate to the middle layer of the skin. These peels can cause mild discomfort, due to the large treatment area and healing usually takes from five to seven days.
While a medium depth peel provides a more desirable result for patients with moderate photodamage, they are typically too aggressive and one should generally stick to superficial peels for non-facial skin. Deep peels traditionally have been used to remove wrinkles and mild scarring, as well as some acne scars and actinic keratoses. Because deep peels may cause hypopigmentation, or lightening of the skin, and a change in skin texture, a combination of a medium and deep chemical peel may be used.
"Patients today have more options available to them than ever before to treat photodamaged skin," said Dr. Ross. "Anyone considering a cosmetic procedure should always consult with their dermatologist to determine which individual treatment is right for them."
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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